Tennessee Crawl Space Repair East Knoxville

Crawl Space Masters performs crawl space repair & crawl space encapsulation in Knoxville, TN. Not so long ago, almost every crawl space the was built had air flowing freely through it. In the past decade or so, many homeowners have benefited from encapsulating their crawl space. As the term suggests, encapsulation is the process by which you protect the area under your home from moisture, bugs, critters, water, and virtually all elements of the natural environment from entering the crawl space area.

A crawl space is a popular alternative to basements or slabs. They raise a house slightly aboveground, and can provide easy access to plumbing and duct work. They are also generally less expensive than full basements. However, though there may be some negatives, there are always ways to transform this space. Let’s learn about the problems that can arise inside this space and suggest a viable way to resolve the issues at hand.

Mold and Insects

For starters, a crawl space can be a perfect breeding-ground for mold, mildew, insects, and bacteria. This is because the space is typically damp and dark and is all too often overlooked by the homeowner. If your space smells musty, or you can visibly see mold growth, it is important to act immediately. Mold and mildew can cause respiratory issues, allergies, and eye irritation, among other things.

Crawl Space Mold Removal Knoxville TN

To remove mold and mildew from your crawl space, you must first devise a waterproofing plan and create a dry environment. A great way to do this is with an energy-efficient dehumidifier. A dehumidifier works to extract moisture from the air. The excess water is then collected in a collection tray or tank that the homeowner manually empties. If the dehumidifier is self-draining, however, it will automatically expel excess water to a sump pump or drywell, without the homeowner going to any trouble. When searching for the right basement dehumidifier, make sure you purchase one that’s energy efficient. An energy-efficient dehumidifier uses less energy and saves money on electric expenses.

Structural Damage

Another common problem with crawl spaces is that their issues can lead to structural damage such as cracks along the walls or floors of a home’s interior. If it is sagging or sinking due to rotten floor joists or failing supports, you should take immediate action. Once you notice any signs of structural problems, they must be dealt with because the issues with not remedy itself-but only worsen over time.

Repair Crawl Space Structural Damage

Installing a support system in this space will alleviate this problem and prevent the costly expense of repairing a severely damaged structure. You can repair this damage with something as simple as a SmartJack Crawl Space Stabilizer can support a sagging space and lift floor joists or beams to their rightful position.

Craw Space Insulation Knoxville TN

One final issue with crawl spaces is their lack of insulation, which can double a home’s heating and cooling bills. While some have fiberglass insulation, this type of insulation will usually soak up any excess moisture in the space. This decreases the insulation’s effectiveness and can lead to mold growth.

Effective Insulation

The best way to insulate a crawl space in Knoxville, TN, is with foam insulation. TerraBlock foam insulation, for example, is a particularly effective insulator both on floors and walls. Its custom made to fit the bumpy or rough surfaces typical of these spaces; plus it’s puncture-resistant. TerraBlock is especially effective when paired with a radiant heat barrier or drainage matting.